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Pavilion

Law and Order: Sparks Road man accused of unlicensed driving while under influence of drugs

By Billie Owens

Joshua Lee Baltz, 44, of Sparks Road, Pavilion, is charged with: aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree, a felony; driving while under the influence of drugs; and speeding -- going 76 in a 55-mph zone. Baltz was stopped for speeding on Alexander Road in Alexander at 11:51 p.m. on May 23 and allegedly found to be impaired by drugs. He was issued appearance tickets for Town of Alexander Court on July 21. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Sgt. Thomas Sanfratello, assisted by Deputy Ryan Young.

Warren David Post, 52, of Genesee Street, Corfu, is charged with: driving while intoxicated; DWI -- operating while having a BAC of .08 percent or higher; aggravated unlicensed operation in the first degree; and failure to keep right. On May 24, Post was arrested at 4:44 p.m. on Pearl Street Road in Batavia following a traffic stop. He was released on traffic tickets returnable to Batavia Town Court on July 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Mathew Clor, assisted by Deputy David Moore.

Brianna S. Green, 23, of Batavia (no address provided), was arrested and charged with petit larceny following a shoplifting complaint at Walmart in the Town of Warsaw (Wyoming County). On March 29, it is alleged that she stole $65.82 in merchandise. Green was arrested on May 23 on the charge. She is due in Town of Warsaw Court on July 13. The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Sgt. Colin Reagan.

Farm equipment accident reported in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

An older man has suffered a serious arm injury in a farm equipment accident on Summit Road in Pavilion.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS responding. Mercy Flight is on an in-air standby.

UPDATE 5:52 p.m.: Mercy Flight response not required. Ice packs and blankets requested to treat the patient for possible heatstroke.

Nazareth College names five Genesee County students to Spring 2020 dean's list

By Billie Owens

Nazareth College students named five Genesee County stundets to the Spring 2020 dean's list.

They are:

  • Kaitlin Ange, of Batavia
  • Kimberly Davis, of Pavilion
  • Chelsea Jensen, of Batavia
  • Lauren Reding, of Oakfield
  • Ryann Stefaniak, of Batavia

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth

Nazareth College's academic strengths cross an unusually broad spectrum of 60 majors, including education, health and human services, management, the fine arts, music, theater, math and science, foreign languages, and the liberal arts.

The coeducational, religiously independent, classic campus in a charming suburb of Rochester challenges and supports 2,000 undergrads and 800 graduate students.

Nazareth is recognized nationally for its Fulbright global student scholars and commitment to civic engagement. Rigorous programs, an uncommon core, experiential learning, career skills, and a global focus prepare graduates for not just one job, but for their life's work.

UPDATED: Mark Your Calendar: 'Cruising for Mercy Flight' escorted by Sheriff's deputies is June 7

By Billie Owens

Route information from Bill and Jeanne Freeman​:

Cruising for Mercy Flight is a car-cruise fundraiser that will be held on Sunday, June 7, escorted by Genesee County Sheriff's deputies.

Participants -- including classic automobile enthusiasts, hot rodders, vintage car owners, and people with way cool rides -- will assemble at the Genesee County Fairgrounds at 5056 E. Main St. Road (Route 5) in Batavia, and the procession will leave at approximately 1 p.m.

And this cavalcade surely must include thankful everyday operators who carry a valid license to drive in New York, have a vehicle that has adequate gasoline in the tank, is inspected, insured and runs.

They can all rally around Mercy Flight, a really good reason to enjoy some fresh air with people for a change, whether the weather cooperates or not weather weather permitting.

The Route

  • From fairgrounds, turn left onto Route 5 westbound (about 1 p.m.);
  • In Batavia, turn right on Route 98 north to Elba (1:15 p.m.)
  • In Elba, turn right onto Route 262 going through Byron and into Bergen (1:35 p.m.);
  • In Bergen, turn right onto Route 19 southbound through Le Roy (1:45 p.m.);
  • Keep on Route 19 south to Pavilion (1:52 p.m.);
  • Turn right on Route 63 westbound in Pavilion to go to junction of routes 63 & 20 (1:55 p.m.);
  • Turn left onto Route 20 at Texaco Town (2 p.m.);
  • Take Route 20 through Bethany and Alexander, to Route 77 westbound to Darien Center (2:15 p.m.);
  • Take Route 77 northbound from Darien Center to Alabama (2:35 p.m.);
  • Turn right on to Route 63 in Alabama and go to Oakfield (2:45 p.m.);
  • Approximately 1 mile down the road, turn left onto Route 262 to Elba;
  • In Elba turn right on to Route 98. This will take you back to Route 5 and also to the Batavia Exit on the Thruway.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT FOR MERCY FLIGHT!

We would like to thank the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, especially Undersheriff Brad Mazur, the Genesee County Agricultural Society, and the Batavia and Le Roy police departments!

We certainly appreciate your support in being a part of this cruise. Be careful on your way home.

We sure hope to see everyone next month.

Stay Healthy and Be Safe,

Bill and Jeanne Freeman

UPDATE 12:28 p.m. May 21: A Mercy Flight Helicopter on a truck and trailer will be in the convoy, being held "in memory of all the former cruisers that have passed before us." A goodwill collection for Mercy Flight will be taken at the start of the event.

Here are the rules:

  1. If you get out of your car you have to wear a mask.
  2. If you do get out of your car be sure to practice social distancing.
  3. If you bring a snack and a beverage with you, please take home any trash. 
  4. CARRY IN AND CARRY OUT PLEASE!

Questions, call Jeanne Freeman at (585) 548-7197 before June 7.

Equipment ruptures gas line on Telephone Road in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A piece of equipment struck and ruptured a natural gas pipeline at 7290 Telephone Road. Pavilion Fire Department is responding. The location is east of Perry Road, on the south side of the roadway.

Two local students named to dean's list for Winter Term at Elmira College

By Billie Owens

Elmira College released its dean's list for Academic Achievement for the Winter 2020 Term. The dean's list recognizes full-time undergraduate students who were registered for at least 12 computable credit hours and who earned a term grade-point average of 3.6 or higher.

Students recognized include:

Lydia Milligan, of Pavilion

Kyra Stella, of Batavia

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.

Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Truck on fire by gas pumps at Crosby's store in Pavilion

By Billie Owens

A pickup truck on fire with flames showing, 10 feet from the gas pumps, is reported at the Crosby's gas station and convenience store in Pavilion, 6316 Telephone Road. Pavilion Fire Department is responding.

Photo: Eagle in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Jeremy McClellan submitted this photo of an eagle he spotted off of Route 20 in Pavilion.

Pavilion cheesemaker donates cases of cheese during COVID-19 crisis

By Billie Owens

Submitted photos and press release:

Pavilion — Craigs Creamery, a dairy cooperative and essential food manufacturer composed of eight family-run farms in Western New York, is helping to feed those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The co-op has donated cases of its locally made, award-winning cheeses to area school districts and other organizations in need due to the public healthcare crisis.

“We live, farm, and raise our families in Upstate NY; our co-op members are dedicated to supporting our friends and neighbors,” said Jennifer Noble, Noblehurst Farms, Craigs Creamery co-op member. “We are happy to help and will continue to find ways to creatively give back, especially during this heightened time of need.”

Craigs Creamery has donated cases of its cheddar cheese snack bars to the Pavilion and York Central School Districts to be included in packaged lunches, which continue to be delivered to students.

In addition to product donations, the co-op is lending its refrigerated trailer to the Pavilion Central School District to refrigerate school lunches in support of its no-contact delivery program.

Craigs Creamery has also made significant donations to the Avon Food Pantry. Over the Easter weekend, in conjunction with Partyman Catering, they created cheese and cracker snack packs and donated them to local hospital workers.

Craigs Creamery, based in Pavilion, is a joint venture of eight family-run farms and Dairy Farmers of America, a leading farmer-owned milk marketing cooperative and dairy foods processor. For more information, visit:   craigscreamery.com

Pavilion student-athete at Elmira College earns spot in Empire 8 Conference

By Billie Owens

Submitted photo and press release:

Lukas Milligan, of Pavilion, was one of six Elmira College student-athletes recognized by the Empire 8 Conference.

Milligan (Class of '23), a volleyball player in Elmira's impressive rookie class, was selected to the Empire 8 All-Conference Second Team.

Milligan floored 125 kills with a 2.12 kills-per-set average, which was good for ninth in the conference. The Pavilion native and Pavilion High School graduate was deadly from the service line with a team-best 21 aces and set a single-match record with nine against Sage. On the other side of the ball, Milligan added a team-high 87 digs.

About Elmira College 

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon.

Pavilion's Lydia Milligan inducted into Elmira College's Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education

By Billie Owens

ELMIRA, NY -- The Elmira College Rho Mu Chapter chapter of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education recently inducted 13 members from education and speech and language disabilities majors into the honor society.

Kappa Delta Pi was founded in 1911 to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among those dedicated to working in K-12 schools. For over a century, the society has welcomed new scholars, and its initiated membership now exceeds 1.2 million. The Rho Mu Chapter originated at Elmira College in 1988.

Congratulations to the Elmira College KDP Scholars for their commitment to excellence in their studies.

This year's inductees includes Lydia Milligan, Class of '21, of Pavilion.

Founded in 1855, Elmira College is a private, residential, liberal arts college offering 30-plus majors, an honors program, 17 academic societies, and 20 Division III varsity teams. Located in the Southern Finger Lakes Region of New York, Elmira's undergraduate and graduate student population hails from more than 20 states and nine countries.

Elmira is a Phi Beta Kappa College and has been ranked a top college, nationally, for student internships. The College is also home to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, one of four historically significant Twain heritage sites in the United States, which attracts Twain scholars and educators from around the world for research on the famous literary icon. Proud of its history and tradition, the College is committed to the ideals of community service, and intellectual and individual growth.

Two people taken to Strong following accident in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

Two people were transported to an area hospital following a two-car accident at 6:57 p.m., yesterday, at Route 63 and Route 246 in the Town of Pavilion.

An initial investigation indicates that a 2007 Hyundai Azera was northbound on Route 246 and a 2019 Ford Expedition was northwest on Route 63.  The Hyundai allegedly failed to yield to cross traffic and proceeded into the intersection. The Expedition struck the Hyundai.

The impact sent the Hyundai off the north shoulder of Route 63. The Hyundai overturned and then came to rest on the northwest corner of the intersection. The Expedition continued on Route 63 before coming to rest in the southeast lane of travel.

The Hyundai was driven by Leah R. Appleton, 18, of Hilton. Her passenger was Carols J. Diaz, 19, of Brockport. Appleton and Diaz were transported to Strong Memorial Hospital for treatment of apparently minor injuries.

The Expedition was driven by Irving J. Denis, 32, of New York City, and his passenger was Reginald Denis, 41, also of NYC. Both were treated on scene and released.

The crash is being investigated by Sgt. Andrew Hale, Genesee County Sheriff's Office, along with Deputy Erik Andre, Deputy Jonathan Dimming, and members of the Crash Management Team.

Pavilion fire and Mercy EMS assisted at the scene.

Accident reported in Pavilion

By Howard B. Owens

A two-vehicle accident is reported in Pavilion at Route 63 and Perry Road.

One vehicle rolled over. One person may require a Mercy Flight transport.

Pavilion fire is on scene.

Law and Order: Highland Park teen accused of burglary, criminal mischief and assault at Main Street gas station

By Billie Owens

Devon A. Wright, 18, (inset photo, right) of Highland Park, Batavia, is charged with third-degree burglary; fourth-degree criminal mischief, and third-degree assault. Wright was arrested on March 12 as a result of an investigation into an incident which occurred at 12:50 p.m. on March 2 at the Sunoco Gas Station and convenience store at 100 W. Main St. in Batavia. It is alleged that he refused to leave the property, attempted to cause physical injury to an employee, then damaged property inside the business. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and released on his own recognizance and was due to return to court March 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Sean Wilson.

Kyle A. Scheuerlein, 27, of Overlook Drive, Batavia, is charged with: criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree; and second-degree attempted assault. At 8:48 p.m. on March 8, Scheuerlein was arrested after a domestic incident at an apartment in the 300 block of Washington Avenue in Batavia. He was arraigned in Batavia City Court and is due back there on March 26. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Miah Stevens.

Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, is charged with second-degree criminal contempt and trespass. Finnin was arrested March 12 on a warrant out of Batavia City Court following an investigation into an alleged violation of an order of protection on Nov. 27 on South Main Street in Batavia. He was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. He was due to return to city court March 13. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Christopher Lindsay, assisted by Officer Connor Borchert.

Taylor L. Finnin, 27, of East Main Street, Batavia, was arrested on a bench warrant out of Batavia City Court while outside on Swan Street in Batavia on March 12. The warrant was issued after the defendant allegedly failed to comply with a court-ordered program on Nov. 20. Finnin was put in jail with (unspecified) bail. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Connor Borchert, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

Karisa L. McKeown, 25, of Pavilion, is charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated DWI -- with a BAC of .08 percent or more, and moving from lane unsafely. At 4:56 p.m. on Feb. 29, Wyoming County Sheriff's deputies responded to a one-car accident with injuries on Silver Lake Road in the Town of Covington. When deputies arrived, they observed Pavilion Fire Department treating a patient with minor injuries. Upon further investigation, McKeown was identified as the driver. The vehicle was traveling southbound when it left the roadway, striking a mailbox and a tree, before coming to rest in the bushes in front of a residence. She was transported to the Wyoming County Sheriff's Officer where a Datamaster breath test was administered. She was released with appearance tickets and is due in Town of Covington Court at a later date (unspecified). The case was handled by Wyoming County Sheriff's Deputy Austin Harding, assisted by Deputy Chance Sampson.

Eric Francis Borowski, 30, of Fontaine Drive, Buffalo, is charged with two counts of second-degree harassment. He was arrested on March 15 following a complaint at 4 p.m. March 11 on Alleghany Road in Darien. He was issued an appearance ticket and is due in Darien Town Court on April 7. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Joshua Brabon.

Carrie L. Hensley, 42, of West Main Street, Batavia, is charged with petit larceny. On March 11, Hensley was arrested after a shoplifting complaint at the Dollar General store on East Main Street in Batavia. She was released with an appearance ticket for March 24 in Batavia City Court. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Sean Wilson, assisted by Officer Wesley Rissinger.

'The Wizard of Oz' coming to Pavilion Central School

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion Central School presents "The Wizard of Oz" this week.

Dorothy is played by Kali Markek, the Scarecrow by Anthony Brown, Tin Man by Alex Stalica, the Cowardly Lion by Jacob Taylor, and the Wizard of Oz by Aiden McConnel.

Showtimes are 7 p.m. tomorrow, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 2 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for seniors and children.

Law and Order: Four suspected of DWI, another accused of stealing from Speedway

By Billie Owens

Michael Robert Simcick, 26, of Keeney Road, Le Roy, is charged with: driving while intoxicated -- first offense; refusal to take a breath test; unlawful possession of marijuana; failure to stop at stop sign; and moving from lan unsafely. At 1:26 a.m. on March 8, Simcick was arrested on Perry Road in Pavilion after a traffic stop for a violation of vehicle and traffic law. An investigation allegedly determined him to be intoxicated by alcohol and in possession of marijuana. He was issued appearance tickets and is due in Pavilion Town Court on March 17. Genesee County Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush handled the case, assisted by Deputy Austin Heberlein, and the Le Roy Police Department.

Shane R. Reisman, 50, of Montclair Avenue, Batavia, is charged with: failure to stop at a stop sign; driving while intoxicated; drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway; and refusal to take a breath test. Batavia Police Officer Peter Post arrested Reisman at 2:36 p.m. on March 2 on Trumbull Parkway in Batavia after a traffic stop. Reisman was later released with appearance tickets and is due in Batavia City Court on March 18.

Baltazar de la Rosa Sifuentes, 26, of Parkland Creek Lane, Chili, is charged with: operating a motor vehicle while having a BAC of .08 percent or more -- first offense; driving while intoxicated -- first offense; and moving from lane unsafely. At 9:30 p.m. on March 6, Sifuentes was arrested after an investigation of a single-car accident on Route 33 in the Town of Stafford. He was released with appearance tickets and is due in Stafford Town Court on March 17. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy Kenneth Quackenbush, assisted by Deputy Andrew Mullen.

Jessica Lyn Revier, 35, of Hall Road, Holley, is charged with: aggravated driving while intoxicated; DWI; failure to stop at a stop sign; and speed not reasonable and prudent. At 7:55 a.m. on March 7, Revier was arrested on North Bergen Road in Byron. She allegedly drove her vehicle off the roadway while in an intoxicated condition. Revier was released on appearance tickets and is due in Byron Town Court on March 16. The case was handled by Genesee County Sheriff's Deputy David Moore, assisted by Deputy Travis DeMuth.

Phillip Detraell Byford Jr., 29, of Brockport Spencerport Road, Brockport, was arrested March 3 on two separate warrants out of Batavia City Court. It is alleged that Byford stole from the Speedway convenience store at 204 W. Main St. in Batavia at 8:44 p.m. on Jan. 24 and then failed to appear in court after his appearance ticket was issued. He was arraigned in city court and released. He is due back in court on March 25. The case was handled by Batavia Police Officer Austin Hedges, assisted by Officer Kevin DeFelice.

Pavilion defeats #1 seed Fillmore in section V final 50-37

By Howard B. Owens

The Pavilion Lady Gophers are the Cinderella team of Section V in 2020, starting out the tournament as a #7 and defeating, on their way to a Class D1 crown, #2 Prattsburgh and #1 Fillmore.

Friday at Letchworth, the Gophers trounced the top-seeded team 50-37.

No stats are available for the game.

In the Class D2 sectional, Elba won its fourth-straight title, beating Andover 48-40. (The Batavian was there for video coverage; with multiple things to cover today, it will be a day or two before I can edit and post the video).

Photos by Thomas Ognibene via Steve Ognibene Photography.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

Pavilion wins shot at sectional title, beating Arkport Canaseraga 52-40

By Howard B. Owens

Pavilion, starting out as a seventh seed in the Class D1 Section V girls basketball tournament, will get a shot at the title Saturday against #1 seed Fillmore after beating Arkport 52-40.

While the Lady Gophers hung tight in the first half, ending the first 16 minutes of play with a one-point lead, 25-24, extra ball pressure in the second half and timely shooting helped the team run away with the game.

Karlee Zinkievich scored 16 points, Lauren Kingsley, 15, Emily Kingsley, 12, and Lindsay Lowe, nine.

For Arkport, Victoria McDaniel scored 18 points.

The championship game will be played at 8 p.m., Saturday, at Letchworth.

Photos by Steve Ognibene.

To view or purchase prints, click here.

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